Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Edmund W. Clarke Jr. told Cortez that parents have an expectation that "when a child goes off to school he will be treated as if they were there watching" and that Cortez breached that trust.

But the judge said he was persuaded by Cortez's attorney, Edward Robinson, that probation would be "the just sentence."

The conditions of probation bar Cortez from working in any teaching, coaching or mentoring position and from being in the presence of minors -- other than her own daughter -- without other adults present.

No jail, eh? Pretty lenient I'd say.

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California Teacher Guilty in Sex Case - Updated[Previous 11/20/12 post]
(Montebello, California) Yesterday, 43-year-old teacher Gabriela Cortez pleaded guilty to unlawful sex with students and threw herself on the mercy of the court. Sentencing is scheduled for January 7, 2013.

Roosevelt High School is the flagship of Partnership for L.A. Schools, the pet project of Mayor Anthony Villaraigosa.

The Partnership focuses on turning around the lowest-performing schools in LAUSD.

We'd like to take this opportunity to point out this incident only offers proof that the organization mission--to create schools where "students experience more personalized attention from teachers"--is being carried out dutifully. [ed. note - LOL]

Prosecutors say that between January 2009 and November 2010 Cortez had sex with two male students, ages 16 and 17 at the time, at her home in Montebello.

The first victim reportedly came forward because he wanted to get the incidents "off his chest." That student's confession resulted in the discovery of a second victim, and detectives believe there are still more out there.

Cortez remains free on bail. (h/t TJR Howie)

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California Teacher Accused of Sex with Two Students[Previous 2/23/12 post]
(Montebello, California) A 42-year-old Spanish teacher at Roosevelt High School, Gabriela Cortez, has been accused of engaging in sex with two male students.

Cortez faces charges of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.

One of the alleged victims reported the alleged crime to police after the teacher broke off the relationship, police said. A subsequent police investigation uncovered a second alleged victim, police said. Both alleged victims are now legally adults.

Montebello police investigated the case because many of the alleged illegal acts occurred in the city and her home.

Detectives suspect Cortez may have prior victims and are continuing the investigation.

Cortez was booked into custody and subsequently released on $140,000. A court appearance is scheduled for March 22.